Chapter 251

Nathaniel's head throbbed, especially his forehead. His eyelids ached when he tried to open them, and he could only make small movements. He awoke with a splitting headache. Every inch of his body ached. He tried to move his hands and legs, but everything below his thighs was numb. He felt nothing at all.

He opened his eyes and saw only patches of white, which frightened him. The sight of an IV drip beside him further increased his fear. He could make faint noises but had no idea where he was—even turning his head was painful.

His memories returned: going to the lab to find Mel, then driving and having an accident. “That’s right! I was in an accident! Am I still alive? Why can’t I feel anything in my legs?!” Panic seized him. He called out, “Hey, somebody, come here! Anybody?” He tried to sit up, but even this simple action was difficult. Fortunately, someone rushed to his bedside. "Nathaniel!"

He didn't expect to see Melanie. Instant rage flooded him. He shouted, "F*ck off!"

"Nat—"

"F*ck off! The further, the better!" He didn't want to see her, not now. Her presence brought disgusting images to mind.

His thoughts raced. He wanted to throw something at Melanie, but lacked the strength. He managed only to loosen the needle in his hand. "Nathaniel, don't get emotional. Let me call the nurse. Calm down," Melanie urged. She quickly found a nurse, who replaced the needle, adjusted the IV drip, and said, "The medication has finished. You can move your limbs a little, but not too much. If the needle bends, I'll have to stick you again."

"What?" Nathaniel was confused. "Can I still move my legs?"

"Of course!" The nurse looked puzzled. "Once the medication wears off, you will be able to, but slowly."

"I haven't been amputated?" He tested the movement in his legs, hesitant to believe it. He'd been sure he'd lost his legs. The tree had been huge, and he'd hit it head-on. He didn't remember what happened after that. Waking up in the hospital with no feeling in his legs, he'd immediately thought of amputations he'd seen on TV.

"Who told you we amputated you? Your legs aren't injured. You broke two ribs, but the surgery was a success. Just rest and recover," the nurse explained, then added, "Stop moving!" She took her tray and left.

Perhaps the anesthetic was wearing off. He could feel a faint movement in his legs. Weak, but there. He tried harder, but only saw the blanket covering him.

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